McInnes challenges Rangers to have 'ambition' to win title

"I don't see why we can't have the ambition to win a title this season."

New Rangers manager Derek McInnes is determined not to let another Scottish Premiership trophy slip from his grasp.

After that deflating final-day decider with Hearts, the 55-year-old has made the move to Ibrox and is confident he can lead them to their first title since 2021.

• Rangers fixtures: Gers kick off season at Dundee Utd
• Scottish Premiership: Every match across opening weekend live on Sky Sports
• Not got Sky? Get Sky Sports or stream the Premiership with no contract

Their new campaign gets underway at Dundee United on Friday night, live on Sky Sports, with McInnes ready to make an immediate impact.

"It's important that we get off to a good start," he told Sky Sports News ahead of his first competitive game in charge.

"We've not had that for a few seasons at Rangers, particularly that opening game.

"I do think trying to build confidence, build a bit of momentum, belief [is important], the fans are desperate to get behind something.

"We've got to earn that trust with performances we can eek out.

"If the team can get confidence as we go along, then I don't see any reason why we can't have that ambition to go and win a title this season."

It has been another summer rebuild at Rangers.

Eight new players have arrived at Ibrox so far, including Hearts duo Lawrence Shankland and Cammy Devlin, while former captain James Tavernier and goalkeeper Jack Butland were among those to depart.

"Every team and every manager is still looking for some key additions," McInnes added.

"But from the terms of four weeks back, the players have approached our work brilliantly.

"Everybody just looks for that first game properly. I'm glad the pre-season friendlies are over with. Friendlies are friendlies for a reason and the first game on Dundee United on Friday is the important one.

"We've got to be as ready as we can be. Physically, I think we are. As a squad, we've still got a wee bit of work to do.

"We've got good options in certain areas of the pitch. We're a wee bit light defensively and we've got good numbers centrally.

"We've got good options at centre forward, but I do think that's an area we can improve on."